Apparatus, method and computer program product for using variable numbers of tactile inputs

Abstract

An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for using varying numbers of tactile inputs to manipulate different features of an electronic device. In particular, varying numbers of tactile inputs resulting from a user touching the electronic device touchscreen or touchpad may be used in order to adjust the speed of movement of an image displayed on the electronic device. Varying numbers of tactile inputs may likewise be used to adjust in various manners an adjustable feature represented by an icon displayed on the electronic device display screen. Finally, varying numbers of tactile inputs may further be used in order to unlock an electronic device in a secure, yet simple, manner.

Description

FIELD[0001]Embodiments of the invention relate, generally, to a touch-sensitive input device and, in particular, to the use of varying numbers of tactile inputs in association with the touch-sensitive input device.BACKGROUND[0002]It is becoming increasingly popular for electronic devices, and particularly portable electronic devices (e.g., cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, pagers, etc.) to use touch-sensitive input devices for receiving user-input information. For example, many devices use touch-sensitive display screens or touchscreens. Alternatively, devices, such as laptops in particular, may use touch-sensitive input devices that are separate from the display screen, referred to as touchpads, for receiving user input. While very useful, these touchscreens and touchpads are not without their problems and issues.[0003]For example, given the often small size of the touchscreen or touchpad, it may be difficult to manipulate objects displayed on the di...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In general, embodiments of the present invention provide an improvement by, among other things, providing several techniques for using varying numbers of tactile inputs to manipulate different features or parameters of an electronic device (e.g., cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptop, pager, etc.). In particular, according to one embodiment, varying numbers of tactile inputs resulting from a user touching the electronic device touchscreen or touchpad may be used in order to adjust the speed of movement of an image displayed on the electronic device display screen. According to another embodiment, varying numbers of tactile inputs may be used to adjust in various manners an adjustable feature or parameter represented by an icon displayed on the electronic device display screen. According to yet another embodiment, varying numbers of tactile inputs may be used in order to unlock an electronic device in a secure, yet simple, manner.

Problems solved by technology

While very useful, these touchscreens and touchpads are not without their problems and issues.

For example, given the often small size of the touchscreen or touchpad, it may be difficult to manipulate objects displayed on the display screen using the touchscreen or touchpad.

In addition, in order to adjust various features or parameters of an electronic device (e.g., the volume, brightness zoom level, etc.), it is often necessary to take several steps, which can be difficult when attempting to take those steps using a finger, stylus, pen, or other selection object.

Yet another example of an issue that may be often faced by users of electronic devices having touchpads or touchscreens is in relation to the process for unlocking the electronic device.

Because of the lack of complexity in this process, it may be easy to accidentally unlock the device.

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